Unit 1

Priority Standards and Supporting Materials:

Literature 3:

Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Iditarod Website for building background knowledge

Stellaluna

Punduli

Mr. Peabody's Apples

Chrysanthemum

English Roses

Mr. Lincoln's Way

Informational 2:

Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.

teacher.depaul.edu/nonfiction_readings.htm (weblink)

Big Idea and Guiding Question:

Exploration and Discovery: How do exploration and discovery lead to new understanding?

Unit 2

Priority Standards:

Literature 1:

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Literature 2:

Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.

Informational 3:

Explain, events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a histortical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

Big Idea and Guiding Question:

Studying the Past: Why do we study the past? What can we learn about ourselves by studying the history and cultures of others?